Shloka 12
Śiśupāla-nigraha-prastāva: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Conciliation and Bhīṣma’s Defense of Kṛṣṇa
Book 2, Chapter 35
रत्नैश्व बहुभिस्तत्र धर्मराजमवर्धयत् । कथं तु मम कौरव्यो रत्नदानै: समाप्नुयात्
ratnaiś ca bahubhis tatra dharmarājam avardhayat | kathaṃ tu mama kauravyo ratnadānaiḥ samāpnuyāt ||
毗湿摩波耶那说道：在那里，他以无数珍宝增益了法王（尤提士提罗）的荣耀与声望。然而，俱卢之子（难敌）心中暗想：“仅凭施赠珠玉，我的图谋又怎能得遂？”——这暗示外在的馈赠与财富的炫示，并不能单独确保更深层的目的：名望、凌驾之势，或道德上的正当性。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts external generosity (lavish jewel-gifts) with inner aims and moral standing: wealth can enhance public honor, but it cannot by itself secure legitimacy, superiority, or the deeper fulfillment of one’s ambitions—especially when driven by rivalry or envy.
In the context of the royal assembly and displays of prosperity, Dharmarāja’s stature is increased through abundant gifts of gems. The Kaurava (Duryodhana) reflects with dissatisfaction, questioning how his own objective could be achieved merely through such jewel-giving—foreshadowing his competitive and resentful mindset.